During my visit to Hong Kong where ten Indian producers had offered their wines for tasting, I was pleasantly surprised with the 2005 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc from Grover, especially after the two previously unimpressive harvests.

This is the best vintage Grover has produced since it brought out this varietal about 4 years ago. It has also clearly established itself differently from the herbaceous style with green pepper and asparagus that one finds in Nashik version. The style here is distinctly fruity with tropical and floral notes. The crisp acidity coupled with an attractive nose and a persistent taste makes it an ideal wine to usher in a non wine drinker to the wonderful world of wine.

In fact, but for the new addition to the Sula stable, the Viognier, this might well have been the best white wine at the show-it ended up in a tie. But watch out, this easy to drink wine will tempt you to the second sip and second glass before you know the bottle is finished.

Great appetizer, it can also be used for fish dishes, vegetarian pizzas and pasta, salads and generally with most Indian vegetarian non-curried foods.

Available in Delhi for Rs. 470, Bangalore for Rs. 460, it is an excellent value for money wine too. If our Mumbai subscribers find it too expensive at Rs.580, they should blame the Maharashtra government which charges extra duty of around Rs.150 for it being an out of state wine.